Humidifying and filtering device for internal-combustion engines



June 12, 1923.

' E. E. LA ROSE HUMIDIFYING AND FILTERING DEVICE FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES Fliled March 25;

1922 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 June l2, 1923 E. E, LA ROSE HUMIDIEYING AND EILTERING DEVICE FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES 2 Sheets-'Sheet 2 Filed March 25 HLM Patented .June 12, 1923.

f NiTEu sans PANT FFICE.

EUGENE E. LA ROSE, OF NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO' LASCO CORPORA- TION, 0F NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK, `A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

HUMIDIFYING AND FILTERING DEVICE FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES.

Application led March 25, 1922. Serial No. 546,919.

To all whom; t may concern.'

Be it known that I, EUGENE E. I JABosn, a citizen of the United States, residing at Niagara Falls, in the county of Niagara and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Humidifying and Filtering Devices for Internal- Combustion Engines, of which the following is a specification, reference belng had to the accompanying drawings.

This invention relates to certain improvements in humidifying and filtering devlces y for internal combustion engines, and it is an object of the invention to provide a device of this general character constructed in' a novel and improved manner to permit it to 'be practically applied to internal combustion engines nowxgenerally7 1n use and particularly that type of engine employedl in connection with automobiles.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved device which 0perates to humidify or moisten the air supplied to the carbureter in a manner whereby the air is maintained at a constant density to assure complete combustion.

An additional object of theinvention is to provide a novel and improved device of this general character whereby the air, before entering the carbureter, is caused to pass through a moistened element so that said air, when entering the carbureter, is at its greatest density or saturated point in order that the desired mixing of the air with the fuel is not affected under different climatic conditions.

Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to-provide a novel and improved device of this general character wherein a ilter is provided to prevent dirt and oil, which may be contained in the air, from entering Within the device and thereby hindering or retarding the efficacy of the humidifying or moistening means.

It is also an object of the invention! to provide a novel and improved device of this general character having means operating to relieve any resistance which may be offered toy the air passing through the device.

The inventionconsists in the details'of construction and in the combination and arrangement of the several parts of my improved humidifying and lterin device for internal combustion engines whereby certain important advantages are attained and the device rendered simpler, less expensive and otherwise more convenient and advantageous for use,as will be hereinafter more fully set forth.

The novel features of my invention will hereinafter be definitely claimed.

In order that my invention may be the better understood, I will now proceed to describe the same with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a view in elevation illustrating a humidifying and filtering device constructed in accordance with an embodiment of my invention and in applied position;

Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken through my improved device as herein embodied;

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 3-3 of Figure-2;

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the filtering element;

Figure 5 is a fra enta sectional view of the humidifyingellmeriltf;7

Figure 6 is an enlarged fragmentary View of one of the fab-ric laminations comprised in the humidifying element;

Figure 7 is a horizontal sectional view illustrating a slightly modified construction; and

Figure 8 is a vertical sectional view illustrating a device constructed in accordance with a further embodiment of my invention.

As disclosed in the accompanying drawings, l denotes a bottom plate provided with' whereby the device in its entirety may beV suitably secured in applied or working position. The bottom plate l is provided with a central opening 3 through which extends a tube 4. The tube 4 is also disposed upwardly through the bottom 5 of a vcup member 6 mounted upon the bottom plate l, said tube 4 terminating above the open face of said cup memberl or, in other words, the side Hanges thereof. The major diameter of the cup member 6 is less than the major diameter of the bottom plate l.

The peripheral portion of the bottom plate l is defined by an upstanding ange 7 against which contacts from within an annular or continuons filtering element F. This elei ber 8. The filtering element F constitutes the outer side wall of the device and comprises a central reticulated lamination 9, the meshes of which are preferably rectangular and the strands of metal. The opposite faces of the lamination 9 have disposed thercover the fabric laminations 10, said laminations 1U being preferably gauze or cheesecloth.

This element F is a dry filter and serves to separate from the air entering within the device, dust, oil and other foreign matter. In a device of this kind, it is of particular importance toprovidc means to separate the oil as will hereinafter be explained.

Supported within the cup member 6.is a humidifying element H. The element H is arrangedin spiral form with its outer convolution continuous or annular and with the space between the convolutions thereof gradually increasing Ifrom nil at the outer convolution to a maximum spacing at the extremity ofthe inner convolution. By this formation of the humidifying element H, a free passage of air is assured at the inner convolutions.

The humidifying element H comprises a central reticulatedlamination 11, preferably of metal, with its mesh rectangular, and overlying the opposite faces of this lamination 11 are the laminations 12 of fabric, the vertical strands a of each of said fabric laminations being bodily about three times greater than the cross or horizontal strands b. It is also preferred that the aggregate area of the openings in each of the lamma `tions 12 will be substantially fifty per cent of the total area of such laminations.

The humidifying'element H rests upon the bottom of the cup member 6 and mounted upon the upper edges `of said element H is a cover member 14 which underlies and has contact with the cover member 8. Disposed through the cover member 14 and extending above and below said cover member is a tube 15, said tube 15 being in vertical alinement with the tube 4 hereinbefore referred to, with the bores of both of said tubes of substantially the same diameter. The portion of the tube 15 below the cover member 14 is provided therearound with the circumferentially spaced slots 16. The slots 16 are dis,- posed lengthwise ofthe tube 15 or in a vertical direction when the device is in working or ap lied position.

Eac of the saidy slots 16 gradually increases in width from the top toward the bottom to provide a minimum area of opening at the top and amaximum area of opening at the bottom. The tube 4 hereinbefore referred to constitutes the lower eduction port while the tube 15 constitutes the upper eduction port.

Threaded or otherwise engaged "with the outer or extended portions of the tubes 4 and 15 are the elbows 17 and 18, respectively, the upper elbow 18 being provided with an opening 19 with which is associated the balanced valve 20. The upper elbow 18 is adapted tocommunicate through a conduit 21v with the primary opening ofthe carbureter while the elbow`17 is adapted for communicationto the conduit 22 with the secondary opening of the carbureter. In the event either of said connections is dispensed with, the discharge end of the elbow 17 or 18 is adapted to be closed by a cap (not shown) and for this reason the outer or free end portion of each of said elbows 17 and 18 is preferably provided with threads.

Discharging within the cup member 6 is a pipe line 23 leading from a suitable source of water supply such as the tank T. -As herein disclosed, the tank T is supported in desired position by the dash D and in practice it is found that the capacity of said tank neednotbe in excess of three quarts.

To further assure the maintenance of the device in required assembled relation, I employ the bracket 24 which is herein disclosed as secured to the lug 2 and to the outer or extended end portion of the tube 15.

The hu idifying element H, andy more particularl the fabric laminations 12 thereof, will be maintained moistened by the water within the cup member 6, the desired saturation being maintained by capillary attraction. v

The air drawn within and through my improved device will absorb, from the humidifying element H, an amount of moisture in direct relation to-the temperature of the air. The higher the temperature of the air, the greater amount of moisture will' be absorbed until the saturated or dew point is reached. The air, in becoming humidiied, will have a decrease in temperature in relation to the amount of weight of moisture it will absorb untilv the saturated or dew point is reached. At this point, any lowering of the temperature will result in a precipitation of the moisture from the air. As the humidifying element H comprises a plurality of separated portions through which the air passes, the air will automatically adjust its density in relation to the degree at which it becomes humidied until the saturated temperature is the same as the temperature of the liquid Within the cup member 6 and at which point the temperature and density become 'conutilize the space it occupies by presenting a maximum area of filtering and humidifying elements to the assage of air therethrough in the most direct lines with .a balanced resistance to the air.

The location of the delivery end of the pipe line 23 will determine the high level of the water or liquid within the cup member 6. This is accomplished by having the tank T airtight. As the water level within the member 6 rises above the discharge end of the pipe line 23, flow through said pipe line will be closed, but when su'ch level drops low enough to permit air to enter the pipe line l23|, sufficient flow'of water will result through the pipe line 23 to restore the high level of the liquid.

In practice, the cup member 6 has maintained therein a supply of water whereby the humidifying element is kept in a wet'or saturated state by capillary attraction. The air drawn into the device has separated therefrom by the filtering element F any dirt, oil or other foreign matter which may be contained therein. This filtering action is of particular importance as it prevents such foreign matter, and particularly oil, collecting on the humidifying element H. This is of particular importance, and especially as pertains to the oil, as the collection of the oil on the humidifying element will materially affect the efficiency thereof. All air drawn into the carbureter passes through the device and as the elements F and H are reticulated, such air -will be broken into very small stream lines, and the size of such lines will control the time such lines of air are in contact with the humidifying element to become saturated. The air in passing from the atmosphere to the tubes 4 and 15 will take the most direct line of passage.

The slots 16 provide means whereby the humidifying element H 'will have the greatest effect as to saturation on the volume of air passing through the device. These slots 16 compel the air to pass to either or both of the tubes 4 and 15 through the humidifying element H in proportion to the capillary attraction of the humldifying element. This is of particular importance.

In the embodiment of my invention as illustrated in Figure 7, a plurality of humidi 'ing elements H are employed, the same being of differing diameters and concentrically arranged. In the form of my invention as illustrated in Figure 8, the inserted end portions of the tubes 4 and 15 have their walls imperforate. In this arrangement, the opposed ends of said tubes 4 and 15 are spaced apart to give an entrance area therebetween equal to the cross sectional area of said tubes. In this embodiment of my invention, the air lines will converge to the opening or space between the tubes 4 and 15 and the upper portions of the humidifying element H, or the portions thereof above the dotted lines m, will be nactive.

From the .foregoing description it is thought to be obvious that a humidifyingL and filtering device for internal combustion engines constructed in accordance with myI invention isparticularly well adapted for use by reason of the convenience and facility with which it may be assembled and operated, and it will also be obvious that my invention is susceptible of some change and modification without departing from the principles and spirit thereof and for this reason I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the precise arrangement and formation of the several parts hereinshown in carrying out my invention in practice except as hereinafter claimed.

I claim:

1. A humidifying and filtering device comprising a casing, the peripherial wall of the casing being perforated, a filtering element associated with said peripheral wal in alinement and spaced one from the other,

and a humidifying element within the casing surrounding the tubes and bridging the space between said tubes, the inserted end of one of said tubes being provided with a series of circumferentially spaced slots.

3. A humidifying and filtering device comprising a casing, the peripheral wall of the casing being perforated, a filtering element associated with said peripheral wall, tubes extending within the casing through the top and bottom walls thereof, the inserted ends of said tubes being substantially in alignment and spaced o-ne from the other, and a humidifying element within the casing surrounding the tubes and bridging the space between said tubes, the inserted end of one of said tubes being provided with a series of eircumferentially spaced slots, each. of said slots increasing in width from onev end of the slot to the other.

4. A humidifying and filtering device comprising a casing, the peripheral wall of the casing being` perforated, a filtering elementv associated with said peripheral wall, tubes extending withinr the casing through the topA and bottom walls thereof, the inin alinement and spaced one fromthe other, a humidifying element within the casing surrounding the tubes and bridging the space between said tubes, anda container within the casing into which the humidifyspace between said tubes, a container within` ing element extends, said container being adapted to contain a liquid, said liquid in the container moistening by capillary attraction the humidifying element.

5. A humidifying and filtering device comprising a casing, the peripheral wall of the casing being perforated, a filtering element associated with said peripheral Wall, tubes extending within the casing through the top and bot-tom walls thereof, the inserted ends of said tubes being substantially in alinement and spaced one from the other, a humidifying element within the casing surrounding the tubes and bridging the thecasing into which the humidifyingelement extends, said container being adapted to contain a liquid, said liquid in the container moistening by capillary attraction the humidifyingelement, and means associated with said container for deliverin-g a liquid therein.

6. A device. of the character described comprising a casing, the peripheral wall being reticulated and constituting a dry filter, a cup member supported Within the casing by the bottom thereof, a humidifying ele.- ment extending within the cup member and extending to the top of the casing, and tubes extending through the bottom and top of the casing, the inserted ends of the tubes being spaced one from the other.

7 A device of the character described comprising a casing, the peripheral wall being reticuljated and constituting a dry filter, a cup member supported within the casing by the bottomv thereof, a humidifying element extending within the cup member and extending to the top of the casing, tubes extending through the bottom and top of the casing, the inserted ends of the tubes being spaced one from the other, said humidifying element comprising a perforated lamination, and a fabric lamination superimposed thereon, the vertical strands of the fabric lamination being of greater diameter than the horizontal strands.

8. A device of the character described comprising` a casing, the peripheral wall being reticulated and constituting a dry filter, a cup member supported within the casing by the bottom thereof, a humidifying ele-l ment extending within the top member and extending to the top of the casing, tubes ex tending through the bottom and top of the casing, the inserted ends of the tubes beingv spaced one from the other, said humidifying element comprising a perforated lamination, a fabric lamination superimposed thereon,

the vertical strands of the fabric lamination being of greater diameter than the horizontal strands, and means for delivering liquid within the cup member.

9` A humidifying device comprising a casing in communication with the atmosphere, a tube extending within the casing, and humidifying means within the casing, the inserted end portion of the tube being provided with a series of circumferentially spaced slots, each of said slots increasing in width from its inner end to its outer end.

1 0. A humidifying device comprising a casing in communication with the atmosphere, a tube extending Within the casing, and humidifying means within the casing,

the inserted end portion of the tubebeing provided with a series of circumferentially `spaced slots, the outer ends of the slot being open.

casing in communication with the atmosphere, tubes extending within the casing, the inserted lends of said tubes being substantially in alinement and spaced one from the other, and a humidifying element within the casing and surrounding the inserted end portions of the tubes and vbridging the space between said tubes.

1 2. A humidifying device comprising a casing in communication with the atmosphere, a humidifying element within the casing providing a central chamber,'and a tube extending within said chamber, the inserted end of the tube being slotted.

13.*A- device of the character described comprising a casing, the peripheral wall being reticulated and constituting a dry filter, a cup member supported within the casing by the bottom thereof, a. humidifying element extending within the cup member and extending to the top of the casing, and tubes extending through the bottom and top of the casing, the inserted ends of the tubes being spaced one from the other, one of said tubes extending through the cup member and terminating beyond the open face of said cu member.

14. evice of the character described comprising a casing, the peripheral wall being reticu ated and constituting a dry filter, .a cup member supported within the casing by the bottom thereof, a humidifying element extending Within the cup member and extending to the top of thecasing, tubes extending through the bottom and top of the easing, the inserted ends of the tubes being spaced one from the other, one of said tubes extending through the cup member and terminating beyond the open. face'of said cup member, and means for delivering liquid within said cup member.

A device of the class described comprising a casing in communication with the atmosphere, aV humidifying element within 11. A humidifying device comprising af lll lll

the casing providing an inner chamber, and a tube in communication with said chamber, said humidifying element comprising a perforated lamination and a fabric lamination superimposed thereon, the vert-ical strands of the fabric lamination being of greater diameter than the horizontal strands.

16. A humidifying and filtering device comprising a casing, the peripheral wall of the casing being perforated, tubes extending within the casing, the inserted ends of said tubes being substantially in alinement and spaced one from the other, and a humidifying clement within the casing surrounding the tubes and bridging the space between the tubes.

17. A humidifyiiig and filtering device comprising a casing, the peripheral wall of the casing being perforated, tubes extendin within the casing, the inserted ends of said tubesl being substantially in alinement and spaced one from the other, a humidifying element within the casing surrounding the tubes and bridging the space between the tubes, the inserted ends of the tubes being spaced apart a distance to give an entrance area therebetween equal to the cross sectional area of said tubes.

18. A humidifying and filtering device comprising` a, casing, the wall of the casing being perforated whereby to permit the entrance of air, freely open outlet tubes extending within the casing for discharging the humidified air from the casing, the inserted ends of the tubes being substantially in alinement and spaced one from the other.

19. A humidifying and filtering device comprising a casing, the peripheral wall of the casing being perforated whereby to permit the entrance of air, freely open outlet tubes extending within-the casing for discharging the humidiied air from the casing, the inserted ends of the tubes being substantially in alinement and spaced one from the other, and a tilterin element associated with the peripheral wa 20. A device of the class described embodying a chamber in communication'with the atmosphere, an eduction tube leading from the chamber, the wall of said tube being provided with an opening in communication with the atmosphere, and a valve normally closing said opening but adapted to move into open position upon establishment of predetermined pressure conditions within the chamber to permit flow outwardly from the interior of the chamber to the atmosphere. f

21. A device of the character described.

embodying a chamber in communication with the atmosphere and provided with an eduction port, and a humidifvirg element within the chamber comprising a plurality of separated portions through which the f air passes before reaching the eduction port,

the spaces between the separated portions kof the humidifying element being'progressively increased in width.

22. A device of the class described embodying a chamber in communciationv with the atmosphere, a tube extending within vthe chamber, a humidifying element within the chamber through which the air passes` before passing` through the tube, the end porvthe atmosphere, a tube extending within the chamber, a humidifying element within the chamber through which the air passes before passing through the tube, the end portion of the tube within the chamber being provided with slots of varying width to provide means whereby the humidifying element will effect substantially uniform saturation of the volume of air passing through the device.

24. A combined humidifying and filtering device comprising a casing provided with an outer endless peripheral wall perforated throughout its entire extent to form a filtering element, an inner foraminous wall of absorbent material embracing an internal chamber forming a humidifying element, the humidifying element being spaced from the perforated peripheral wall throughout its entire extent whereby to permit direct passage of iuid therethrough regardless of its point of entry through the peripheral wall, the said walls being so disposed' that allffluid reaching the said in-4 ternal chamber from the exterior must first pass through both the said walls, means for moistening the humidifying element, and an .outlet conduit establishing communication -through the said humidifying element before reaching the said chamber, the inner portion of the .humidifying eiement being of spiral form and'establishing aapassage increasing in cross sectional area towards the said chamber, and an outlet conduit establishing communication with the said internal chamber.

26. A combined humidifying and filtering device comprising a casing, the peripheral Wall of the casing beingreticulated and constituting a dry filter, a cup member supported Within the casing by the bottom thereof, a tubular humidifying element. extending Within the cup member and projecting to the top of the casing, and an outlet conduit establishing communication with the space surrounded by said humidifying element. f

27. A humid-ifying device comprising a casing in communication with the atmosphere, a receptacle for supplying moisture, a tubular humidifying element of an absorbent mat/erial having one end projecting into the said receptacle whereby tomoisten the same by capillary attraction, an outlet conduit leading from the interior of the casing and projecting Within the space bounded byV the humidifying element, the insertedextremity of the conduit being provided with slots increasing in Width from one end to the other, the Wider ends of the slots being disposed in closer .proximity to the moisture-containing receptacle than the narrow ends thereof. i

28. A combined humidifying and filtering device comprising a casing, the peripheral Wall of the casing being perforated, a humidifying element disposed Within the casing and embracing .an internal chamber, outlet tubes extending Within the said chamber, the inserted ends of the tubes beingsubstantially in alignment and positioned one from the other a sufficient distance to provide a space therebetween whose area is substantially equal to the combined cross sectional area of both tubes.

429. A combined humidifying and filtering device comprising a casing, the peripheral Wall of the casing being perforated and constituting a dry filter, a liquid-retaining EUGENE E. LA ROSE. 

